Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2025
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Reduced Resistance Exercise Volume on Metabolic Health
Published on: December 1, 2023
Dose-Dependent Effect of Supervised Aerobic Exercise on HbA1c in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-analysis of
Ahmad Jayedi1,2, Alireza Emadi3, Sakineh Shab-Bidar4
1Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
Background:
Previous meta-analyses indicated that aerobic exercise can improve glycemic control. However, the optimum dose of exercise is still being discussed.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to examine the dose-dependent effect of supervised aerobic training (SAT) on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
Methods:
We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to May 2021 for randomized trials with an intervention period of 12 weeks or longer evaluating the effect of SAT on HbA1c in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, change in hypoglycemic medications, and adverse events. A random-effects dose-response meta-analysis was conducted.
Results:
The analysis of 26 trials with 1253 participants indicated that each 30-min/week SAT reduced HbA1c by - 0.22 percentage point (95% CI - 0.29 to - 0.15; GRADE = strong). Levels of HbA1c decreased proportionally with the increase in the duration of moderate to vigorous-intensity SAT to 100 min/week (mean difference100 min/week: - 0.96 percentage point, 95% CI - 1.25 to - 0.67), with flattening of the curve at higher duration. Aerobic exercise decreased antidiabetic medications by 13 per 100 patients (risk difference 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.23; 7 trials, n = 375; GRADE = moderate), and increased hypoglycemic reactions by 10 per 100 patients (risk difference: 0.10, 95% CI 0.03-0.17; 4 trials, n = 263; GRADE = low) and adverse events by 4 per 100 patients (risk difference: 0.04, 95% CI - 0.02 to 0.11; 2 trials, n = 236; GRADE = low). Limited evidence is available for quality of life.
Conclusions:
Every 30 min/week of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise can exert a significant effect on HbA1c, with the highest effect observed from 100 min/week and above. However, exercise durations above 100 min/week seem ineffective for further reductions.
Protocol Registration:
PROSPERO (CRD42021257251).
More Related Videos
12:59Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
07:22Glycemic Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms on Physical, Radiographic, and Inflammatory Markers among Individuals Aged 50 and Over with Diabetes
Published on: March 7, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:36Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
01:16Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
01:15Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
01:26Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...